NIWOT — Crocs Inc. on Thursday reported a wider fourth-quarter loss than a year ago, but the loss was smaller than what Wall Street analysts expected.

Shares of the footwear maker rose 76 cents, or 5 percent, to close at $15.81 Thursday.

Crocs, which is known for its plastic clogs, has launched other products, but they haven’t been as popular. In December, private equity firm Blackstone invested $200 million in the company.

Crocs did not release earnings projections for 2014 because the business is in transition, said Thomas Smach, the company’s board chairman. Crocs is working on finding ways to increase its profit and is looking for a new CEO to replace John McCarvel, who in December announced he is retiring.

Crocs reported a loss of $66.9 million, or 76 cents per share, in the quarter ending Dec. 31. That compares with a loss of $3.6 million, or 4 cents per share, in the same quarter the year before.

More in Business

Boulder County 4-H officials prohibited a gun display as an addition to this year’s annual tack show Feb. 24 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds just hours before 15-year-old 4-H member Tegan Brown told leaders she would not attend the event if firearms were present.

McDonald’s Happy Meal is about to get a makeover. On Thursday, the fast-food chain announced new nutrition standards for its kids’ meals and a series of upcoming menu swaps designed to make options for children healthier.

It happens in so many workplaces — two colleagues begin a romantic relationship. But a heightened awareness about sexual harassment means small business owners can get more anxious when employees start dating.